Virden Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) | Citizen & Business Person of Year

Citizen of the Year & Business Person of the Year

The Virden Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) each year announces a "Citizen of the Year,” and makes that surprise presentation at the American Legion’s 4th of July celebration. In addition to Citizen of the Year, the VACC also recognizes a "Business Person of the Year."

A nominee for Citizen of the Year is most often a resident of Virden or Thayer, but may live or work within the North Mac Community. However, more importantly is the fact that the Citizen of the Year is one whose volunteer efforts happen in, and thereby supports the Virden community. The Business Person of the Year nominee may also reside in another community, but their business is located in Virden or Thayer. All nominations for both awards should reflect contributions to the community that go above and beyond their normal work or business related duties.

The VACC accepts nominations for deserving individuals for several weeks leading up to the July event and the winners are chosen by a secret ballot made up from past winners of both awards. Steve O’Dell of Country Financial and Cliff Hughes of “Jamies The Diamond Mine” graciously sponsor the event each year including the planning, organization, and the beautiful plaques that are presented to the honorees.

More Details

-Gilbert Baker-
2023 Citizen of the Year

(Photo Courtesy of Judy Hendricks)

-Lula Hampleman-
2023 Business Person of the Year

(Photo Courtesy of Judy Hendricks)

YEAR

CITIZEN of the YEAR

BUSINESS PERSON of the YEAR

2023

Gilbert Baker

Lula Hampleman

2022

Rev. Dr. John Huxtable

Sandi Gatermann

2021

Fred Reichert

George Rishel

2020

Shielda Lewis

Sterling & Tammy Nichols

2019

Deb Richards

Darryl Rausher

2018

Judy Berry

Linda Worlow

2017

Betty Maquire

2016

The Entire Virden Fire Department

2015

Rick Maguire

2014

Dawn "Chicken" Willoughby

2013

Russell Boehl

2012

Donnie Neighbors

2011

Kenny Hampleman

2010

Sal & Vita DiCarlo

2009

John Alexander & Bob Dodd

2008

Alan Brumfield

2007

Anton Borella

2006

Debbie Kershaw

2005

Willa Smith Reischauer

2004

Russ McInnis

2003

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Neighbors

2002

Wayne Joplin

2001

Dorothy Delich

2000

Bill Berry

1999

Lynn Berry

1998

Dave O'Dell

1997

Charlie Jones